US Supreme Court temporarily clears continuation of White House ballroom project

The US Supreme Court has temporarily lifted a lower court's injunction, allowing construction to resume on a controversial $400 million ballroom at the White House.

The brief administrative stay, issued by Chief Justice John Roberts, provides the high court additional time to consider an emergency appeal from President Donald Trump's administration. The administration is seeking to continue work on the project while legal challenges brought by historic preservation groups move through the courts.

Trump has defended the planned expansion as vital for state functions and security infrastructure, framing it as part of a wider effort to reshape the capital complex. Historic preservationists contend that the large-scale development infringes upon the historical character of the executive residence grounds. A definitive ruling on whether work may proceed during litigation is expected shortly.

Sources: Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, FAZ, Handelsblatt, ORF